compound complex

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Posts by compound complex

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  8

  Family events (getting old)

  by Jayk in

  1. social
  2. family

  the feeling of being disconnected from my family for so long makes me feel old.

  i think it's because the people i saw all the time when i was younger i don't see to often and you really notice that change in little bits but over time it really shows.

  the last time alot of witness friends i was 16, then i show up at a family event and i'm 28. that's life and i do get it but it really makes me feel old..

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  compound complex

  Hey, Jayk:

  I'm feeling the same about family, but it isn't just a JW thing.

  I had about 20 great aunts and uncles, so you can imagine all the cousins. I was on Facebook with my recently deceased first cousin's children. They're adults now and have their own kids. My only connection is through FB because everyone is scattered across the country. We kids -- back in the '50s and '60s -- were always together.

  Of course, the disconnection is amplified when you leave the org and get shunned. Apart from some bad blood that exists in any family, still, I have reconnected with my Catholic family (although they were always a part of my life, even as a JW). They never shunned me, and I was a JW for nearly fifty years.

  So, Jay, as to feeling old . . . yes, you're correct! The good news is that, chronologically, you are not old.

  Blessings and peace.
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  21

  JW.ORG turning into an evangelical clone

  by Pistoff in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i clicked this link to the november 2017 tvjw video, in it they defend their 2 witness policy, though, gutlessly, they do not mention it in the context of child sexual abuse.. anyway, check out the christian jehovian song at 57:06, ugh, makes me nauseous.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksz0qiftsok&feature=youtu.be&t=53m25s.

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  compound complex

  Luke was not likely a respected physician, and Paul did not write his letter to the Colossians in a dark prison cell.

  New light!

  "We can show love and concern for others even if we don't share their beliefs."

  At school, Aiden was pressured to sign a birthday card for his sick friend, Lucas, but refused. Troubled but resolute, Aiden talked to his father, Grayson, who showed him Scriptures reaffirming his belief that celebrating birthdays is wrong.

  Wanting to do something for his ill friend, Aiden and his parents went to visit him, at home. The hope of living forever in Paradise was presented to Lucas by means of a Watchtower publication.

  Fade to black . . .
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  15

  Im new to the site. 28 years old, over 10 in exile. This is my story

  by Jayk in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  it's bitter sweet to find a site like this..i was born in the truth.

  when i was 16 i given the option to stop going.

  father and mothers family are both witnesses.

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  compound complex

  Welcome, Jayk, to the board.

  Many of us are more than twice your age and understand what you are saying and feeling. We're all survivors and encourage you to stay here to receive the support that will get you through this.

  More later.
• 
  83

  True or False did the Watchtower Corporation create false doctrines intentionally to enhance the proliferation of their own publications ?

  by Finkelstein in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  much as been revealed over the years to the date setting doctrines made by the wts.

  such as ( 1874, 1914, 1925 , 1975 this generation, the last days, the end times etc.... which were not created by other christian based faiths.. as to critically examine why might reveal a hidden agenda to all these date setting proclamations.. the point in question is did the wts and its leaders intentionally manipulate or exploit the preaching of the gospel to enhance the proliferation of their own printed publications ?.

  i would say convincingly yes, no question.

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  compound complex

  An evil motive is not necessary to mislead or abuse. Sometimes a firm conviction that we're right, left unchallenged, is enough to cause abuses. -- vienne

  Thank you, vienne, for triggering a memory. We who worked at Bethel believed our work meant salvation for those who took hold of the skirt of a Jew, i.e., accepted the the truth as espoused by the anointed remnant. One dear anointed sister -- Sister Kraker -- worked in subscriptions. When I was there for a matter I cannot recall, she held up a yellow Awake! form and said that represented the possibility that the recipient of the magazines, via the mail, would learn the truth.

  I cannot speak for everyone else, of course, but those close to me bound books and magazines, distributed them in service, and used their contents during meetings to edify the listener. Even the higher ups I knew well or simply observed about their work, were sincere in their service to Jehovah and their fellowman. The pursuit of monetary gain and ulterior motives -- if present at all -- were surely well hidden from me.

  Yet, as I look back now, I understand the reality of what you wrote regarding abuses incurred. Is this, in our now contrite state, the realization of the law of unintended consequences?
  
  
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  4

  'Is there anybody there?'

  by compound complex in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the listeners.

  'is there anybody there?’ said the traveller, .

  knocking on the moonlit door; .

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  compound complex

  One critique I read stated that Nature is indifferent to the anxiety felt by the "traveller," who wished only to acquit himself of a promise made. Yet, we have no clue what he promised and if the lodgers moved on in the flesh but left behind their essence.

  
  
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  34

  Is There a TV Show or Movie That You Just NeverGet Sick Of?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i love the rifleman!

  i’ve seen it a million times and still will watch it !

  and goodfellas, the movie as well as the sopranos.

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  compound complex

  Look at Ingrid Bergman's face . . .

  And, then, listen to Louis: "I'm shocked! I'm shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!"

  "Your winnings, Sir."

  "Oh, thank you very much!"

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTsg9i6lvqU
  
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  4

  'Is there anybody there?'

  by compound complex in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the listeners.

  'is there anybody there?’ said the traveller, .

  knocking on the moonlit door; .

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  compound complex

  Walter de la Mare offered no analysis, which others have sought to do. He stated only that the "Traveller" had discovered "a universe."

  Yes, "phantoms," whatever that could mean, realistically or metaphorically. A higher realm, another dimension where contact with another world is either impossible or not desired. Just my viewpoint.

  Man cannot connect with Nature nor can he connect with the universe . . .
  
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  83

  True or False did the Watchtower Corporation create false doctrines intentionally to enhance the proliferation of their own publications ?

  by Finkelstein in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  much as been revealed over the years to the date setting doctrines made by the wts.

  such as ( 1874, 1914, 1925 , 1975 this generation, the last days, the end times etc.... which were not created by other christian based faiths.. as to critically examine why might reveal a hidden agenda to all these date setting proclamations.. the point in question is did the wts and its leaders intentionally manipulate or exploit the preaching of the gospel to enhance the proliferation of their own printed publications ?.

  i would say convincingly yes, no question.

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  compound complex

  Vienne has already posted the link for the scholarly and well-researched book cited below. I suggest you check out customer reviews, written by individuals who are familiar with what is true and not true about C.T. Russell and his exploits.

  
  

  A Separate Identity: Organizational Identity Among Readers of Zion's Watch Tower: 1870-1887

  https://www.amazon.com/Separate-Identity-Organizational-Readers-1870-1887/dp/1304969401
  
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  2

  Beauty Reborn

  by compound complex in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the artist peers into the rubble of death and decay and glimpses what one less inured to such travesty cannot.

  he sees form, even intricate structure of great complexity, and, ultimately, a singular, transcending beauty.

  the believer in what is not easily read by most people senses that, in the swirl of visual chaos and stench of life’s loss, renewed life will, assuredly, come forth.. .

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  compound complex

  You never know what will trigger a memory, a thought, an ensuing story.

  Mom was an avid fan of Pearl S. Buck, who spoke Chinese before English. I, too, am a fan of that writer of captivating stories of the Orient. I have The Good Earth, My Several Worlds, and Far and Near.

  Ms. Buck explains how her village in China was invaded by hostile forces and she and other citizens fled, with no time to gather up belongings. Left behind, too, was the manuscript of her new book. I need to rediscover the page where she describes her attitude toward leaving all behind. Very philosophical and accepting, I recall.

  Having composed music and performed on stage for years, setting up art exhibits for myself and other artists, and posting poetry and short stories online for a dozen-plus years, I get what it's all about and what it isn't all about.

  Most of us are small fish in a big pond. No matter. Fifty years ago I was prepared to set the world of art on fire. Now, I just want to stay warm.

  Thanks, friends, for your input and friendship over the years.

  Frank Carton
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  2

  Beauty Reborn

  by compound complex in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the artist peers into the rubble of death and decay and glimpses what one less inured to such travesty cannot.

  he sees form, even intricate structure of great complexity, and, ultimately, a singular, transcending beauty.

  the believer in what is not easily read by most people senses that, in the swirl of visual chaos and stench of life’s loss, renewed life will, assuredly, come forth.. .

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  compound complex

  THE ARTIST PEERS INTO THE RUBBLE OF DEATH AND DECAY and glimpses what one less inured to such travesty cannot. He sees form, even intricate structure of great complexity, and, ultimately, a singular, transcending beauty. The believer in what is not easily read by most people senses that, in the swirl of visual chaos and stench of life’s loss, renewed life will, assuredly, come forth.

  With or without mortal man’s attendance upon life’s reemergence from the grave, this process is an unending cycle: life, death, renewal. The destruction of the painter’s canvas, the writer’s essay, or the composer’s manuscript is not an untenable blow to the creator’s genius. Whether the ensuing conflagration is by literal fire or the public’s outrage over a body of work ahead of its time, the perceptive artist knows the phoenix shall arise resplendent from the ashes. Her song shall be heard.

  The masterwork hidden away in the cemetery of a cellar long forgotten will be rediscovered and premiered before a now humbled and contrite audience. The artist, at last freed from earthly care and turmoil, observes amongst a once unbelieving public what he never ceased believing:

  Beauty shines forth where the eyes of others have yet to fall. Beauty sings forth what their ears have yet to hear . . .